Search On For Missing Shark Tag

August 23, 2007

Release from: BBC News (UK)

Marine biologists are searching for an electronic shark tag which is missing - but still transmitting.

The device had been fitted to a two-metre-long porbeagle shark and was detached remotely onto Newquay beach on Sunday to upload data to satellites.

But someone found it before the scientists got to its location.

The biologists have tracked it travelling to Wadebridge and back to Newquay, perhaps in a car boot. They are appealing for it to be returned.

There is a £50 reward for its safe recovery.

Marine Biologist Dr David Sims said: "It has stored data that is important to our scientific work on this threatened species, so recovery of the tag is a priority.

"We would urge the finder to contact us."

Adult porbeagle sharks can reach a size of 3.7 metres (12ft) and have an average life expectancy of 30 to 40 years.